501 North Grand Blvd

St. Louis, MO 63103

314-361-5900

SERVING

St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Cape Girardeau County, and Scott County

Mission statement

To build trusting and enduring relationships that encourage and support young peoplesm.

Big Brothers Big Sisters knows the transformative power of relationships so we work to surround our Littles with caring and supportive adults to inspire them and show them anything is possible. We promise our Little Brothers and Little Sisters We’ll Be There.SM for encouragement and support.

Our history

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ tradition of changing children’s lives through trusting and enduring relationships dates back more than a century. We typically think of 1904 as the World’s Fair but it is notable for another reason - Ernest Coulter, a young clerk in New York, decided to do something about the many boys coming through his courtroom. He recognized caring adults could help them stay out of trouble, and set out to find volunteers. That marked the formal beginning of the Big Brothers movement.

In 1914, Juvenile Court Judge Thomas C. Hennings Jr. brought the Big Brothers program to St. Louis. By 1916, Big Brothers had spread to 96 cities across the country. Around the same time, the Ladies of Charity were befriending girls in New York Children’s Court. That group would later become Catholic Big Sisters.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters joined forces in St. Louis in 1976. BBBSEMO has ranked #1 in the nation for relationship quality for the past four years! And is the 5th largest of about 370 agencies nationwide.

Goals

Our vision is that our Little Brothers and Littles Sisters will live and learn in positive, opportunity rich environments 24x7sm. The agency will serve approx. 2,800 children in 2011.

Volunteer opportunities

Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on volunteers to deliver its mission. Volunteers are introduced to a young person with similar interests to build a trusting friendship. As a Big, you get to be a kid again AND give a child the invaluable gift of friendship. Do you like to shoot hoops, bake cookies or just hang out? We know a kid who would love to join you. The Be There Now!sm campaign is working to recruit 600 volunteers in 6 months. To apply, contact Vivian Gibson at 314-361-5900, ext 231 vgibson@bbbsemo.org or visit www.bbbsemo.org

Giving opportunities

Your donations help us build and sustain relationships that offer young people opportunities to experience new perspectives and achieve great things. There are many ways to donate - whichever you choose, you’ll be helping make a positive impact on kids in our community.

To make a gift online, please visit the “Donate Online” page at www.bbbsemo.org.

Or support one of our Fundraising events!

Fundraising events

Bowl for Kids’ Sake — BFKS is the agency’s largest annual fundraising event and a great way to have fun while serving your community! Consider forming a team of friends, neighbors or co-workers. BFKS kicks off with a special CELEBRITY/VIP BOWL on March 10th in St. Louis, with the St Louis Community BFKS Thursday May 10th through Sunday May 20th. Cape Girardeau holds its BFKS on Saturday, March 31. Contact Jane Smith for information at jsmith@bbbsemo.org or 314-361-5900, ext 222

Derby Party - The Big Brothers Big Sisters inaugural Derby Party was held in 2008 in Cape Girardeau. The event was the vision of several local community leaders and generous donors. Since that time the event has grown with the addition of a wine auction. Join us May 5, 2012 in Cape Girardeau for the most exciting two minutes in sports – the Run for the Roses. Big hats and seersucker suits encouraged!

Be There PartnershipsSM - Be There Partnershipssm are a simple and fun way to support BBBSEMO while getting extra recognition for your company or business! Through Be There Partnershipssm the agency partners with your business to increase visibility while your business shares a portion of proceeds from an event or sale with the agency. Contact April Baker for information at abaker@bbbsemo.org or 314-361-5900, ext 256